. >> some unnerving moments in the east bay -- >> on the 5:00 news that night, it was the first story after the first break. a bus carrying inmates catching fire on interstate 580. closing the road and backing up traffic. it took all of 20 seconds to tell the viewer about it. >> still unclear what sparked that blaze -- >> for those who were on the bus, the memories of the fire and what followed will last a lifetime. >> i'm glad you were okay -- >> of course, thanks to alameda deputies tony whittle and sandra williams, those on the bus still have a lifetime. the day was april 6, a friday. and deputy whittle was behind the wheel of the transport bus. deputy williams was in back, sandwiched among seven different locked cages. 24 prisoners inside. until they reached the stretch of 580, it had been a smooth trip. an unremarkable day. then williams heard a pop, and whittle looked out his side view mirrors. >> i could see the flames shooting out as if it was a flame thrower, if that engine was -- it seemed to be exploding at the time. >> a video posted on line from someone passing by capture